Frequently asked Questions are divided into the following catagories:

• Licensing
• Wholesale
• Compliance
• Public Information

LICENSE FAQ's

1. What are the minimum requirements for eligibility to hold a license?
2. How can I get an application for a license, and is there a cost to apply?
3. Do I need to consult an attorney or other professional to help me complete the application?
4. If I'm buying an existing business that already has a license to sell alcohol, can the license get transferred to my name?
5. Are there any restrictions on the location of my business?
6. What type of entertainment is permitted?
7. How old does a person have to be to serve/sell alcohol?
8. What are the hours for an on-premise licensee to serve alcohol?
9. What are the hours of sale for an off-premise sale licensee?
10. What kind of advertising may a Beverage Manufacturer provide a retailer?
11. Does a property need to inform the NH Liquor Enforcement of a closing, or an employee party?
12. Can a property close it's doors to the public for a holiday party during regular business hours?
13. Can a property host an employee party on an evening that the property is closed?
14. Can a property close one of it's dining rooms to host a company party?
15. How and when would a property have to notify the NHSLC of a closing to their property?

What are the minimum requirements for eligibility to hold a license?

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older.

Applicants must have never been convicted of a felony in New Hampshire or any other state.

How can I get an application for a license, and is there a cost to apply?

Applications are typically made in person with a Licensing Specialist at the proposed buisness site. In cases where the business is in another state, such as liquor and wine vendors, beverage importers or motor carriers the request for application will be filed by mail.

There is a $100.00 non-refundable application fee. Should you decide not to continue with the project, the fee is not refundable, nor will the fee be applied to your final licensing fee.

Do I need to consult an attorney or other professional to help me complete the application?

The application process has been simplified and is accompanied by a detailed list of instructions to assist you during the process. However, applicants are always free to obtain professional consultation.

If I'm buying an existing business that already has a license to sell alcohol, can the license get transferred to my name?

Liquor licenses are not transferable in New Hampshire.

Are there any restrictions on the location of my business?

The State does not have any restrictions on the location of the business, it is up to the town/city.

RSA 175:7 Local Option - I. The voters of any city or town shall vote on certain questions concerning the sale and consumption of liquor, malt beverages or wine in that city or town as provided in RSA 663:5.

What type of entertainment is permitted?

The licensee obtains permission for entertainment from the town/city and sends a copy of the approval to the Liquor Commission.

How old does a person have to be to serve/sell alcohol?

In an on-premise establishment a person must be 18 years or older to waitress or bartend.

In an off-premise establishment (grocery store) a person must be 16 years old or older to ring up, 15 to bag and 18 years or older to be left in charge.

What are the hours for an on-premise licensee to serve alcohol?

On-premise licensees may serve from 6:00 am to 1:00 am, 7 days a week, glasses off the table by 1:30am.

What are the hours of sale for an off-premise licensee?

Off-premise licensees may sell from 6:00 am to 11:45 pm, 7 days a week.

What kind of advertising may a Beverage Manufacturer provide a retailer?

For outside signs, a Beverage Manufacturer may provide retailers with non-illuminated signs, lettering less than 15 inches high, advertising their products (including brand or manufacturer name), subject to the following:

Nothing specific to the retailer may be noted, such as under new management, store hours, store name, prices, etc.

For inside signs, no neon signs may be supplied. All signs must be advertising the Beverage Manufacturers products, but may also bear retailer specific content, such as prices, or (retailer name) beer section, etc. No signs of primary value to the retailer, such as lists of coming events, etc. may be supplied, unless the Beverage Manufacturer advertising is clearly predominant.

Does a property need to inform the NH Liquor Enforcement of a closing, or an employee party?

The dining room must be open at least five days during the week. If the party is taking place during one of the licensee's scheduled days of closure, notification is required. If the licensee is closing during a regularly scheduled time of operation, notification and approval by the Commission are required.

Can a property close it's doors to the public for a holiday party during regular business hours?

The dining room must be open at least five days during the week. If the party is taking place during one of the licensee's scheduled days of closure, notification is required. If the licensee is closing during a regularly scheduled time of operation, notification and approval by the Commission are required.

Can a property host an employee party on an evening that the property is closed?

The dining room must be open at least five days during the week. If the party is taking place during one of the licensee's scheduled days of closure, notification is required. If the licensee is closing during a regularly scheduled time of operation, notification and approval by the Commission are required.

Can a property close one of it's dining rooms to host a company party?

Yes, function rooms.

How and when would a property have to notify the NHSLC of a closing to their property?

Submit a written request, stating the purpose, date, and time of closure. The license will be placed in safekeeping. The licensee CANNOT utilize any of the privileges granted by their license during the time of safekeeping. As stated above the licensee may seek an exemption of the mandatory five day dining room requirement from the Liquor Commission. JUST A REMINDER: When hosting an employee holiday party, all statutory and administrative rule requirements apply.